HELP IS AVAILABLE FOR VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE

Dear Ann Landers: I am a Domestic Violence Outreach specialist/advocate and I assist victims of domestic violence. I believe you understand this problem well.

Victims of domestic violence are like puppets on a string, and invariably, the abuser sadistically toys with his victim. The physical abuse is bad, but in time, the bruises go away and the bones heal. The emotional abuse is something that does NOT go away.

I am a survivor of domestic violence. I am glad I can say these words, because too many victims aren't around any more to say them. I would like to tell every woman and man who is getting knocked around, YOU MUST GET HELP. Outside intervention is your key to freedom. It could save your life. If you try to fight this battle alone, you will probably lose. -- A.P., Leesville, La.

Dear Leesville: Thanks for encouraging all victims of domestic violence to seek help immediately. Shelters are listed in the telephone book, or you can call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or, for the hearing impaired, call TTY: 800-787-3224 for a referral.

Dear Ann Landers: My husband is in the process of retiring, and we are planning several long trips. I suggested we have our utility bills paid automatically through our bank so we wouldn't have to be at home to take care of them. My husband refused. He insisted that he see every bill that comes in. I argued that it was unnecessary, but he was adamant.

Two days after our discussion, we received our electric bill. The amount due was $233,613.29. When we called the utility company, we were told the company had just acquired a new computer system and our actual bill was $40. Our banker said that bill certainly would have been paid automatically by the bank had we been out of town when it came through. -- The Ems in Dothan, Ala.

Dear Dothan: It pays to check even the most ordinary bills, since a million-dollar mistake means nothing to a computer. It's just a few more zeros.

Dear Ann Landers: Years ago, my friend "Dora" took a turkey out of the oven, set it on the stove to cool, and left with her husband for church. When they returned, Dora found the cat on the counter, enjoying the turkey leg. Knowing her husband would go ballistic if he knew what the cat had done, she quickly cut the leg off. When she brought the turkey to the table for carving, her husband asked, "Where's the other leg?" Dora replied, "Kroger's had a special on one-legged turkeys, so I bought one."

A few days later, she felt guilty and told him the cat got the other turkey leg. He roared with laughter, and it has been a family joke ever since. -- Mrs. W., Chattanooga, Tenn.